by Luka » 03 Sep 2013, 13:29
Hi Pamplemousse,
From what I've heard, general anesthetic is normally used for a more thorough exam because you're completely out and it makes the job easier for you and the surgeon. For myself, I wouldn't do the internal exam or LIS without the general. I have panic disorder and would completely freak out, probably even with mild sedation. So, being completely asleep is best for everyone, unless you have prior problems with general anesthetic or have a preexisting medical condition that warrants them not using it. They can do spinal anesthesia, from what I've heard, instead.
Also, I know that sometimes they will opt for Botox or LIS during the exam under anesthesia if the fissure looks bad enough and the surgeon doesn't think it will heal on its own. Of course, you'd have to discuss this with your surgeon beforehand and I'd assume sign the necessary papers. I know for myself that if the surgeon thought it wouldn't heal without LIS, that I'd just want to get it over with while completely asleep for the exam. I've wasted too much time on this already and wouldn't want to get the general anesthesia twice (I've only had general anesthesia once in my life, when I was eight and needed hernia surgery). I had horrible nausea afterward, but I got through it in a few hours and I would assume they'd have something to help that nowadays since my previous surgery was years ago.
January 2013 - Diagnosed with fissure. Eventually turned chronic.
History of IBS and anxiety disorder, along with fear of using bathrooms other than my own caused it.
Tried Diltiazem, but eventually developed a rash.
LIS surgery scheduled August 26th.